Muscles are the fuel of life. There are 600 muscles in the human body. Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac are the three types of muscles. It is absolutely vital to maintain your muscles mass. This article will enlighten you about muscle mass necessity, and the best supplements for muscle growth.
Understanding Muscle Mass
Muscle mass can be defined as the weight of muscles in your body in kilograms or pounds. Muscles are synonymous to engines. They are the battery, and a surveyor of energy. The human muscle mass plays a crucial role in building body fitness. The process of building muscles, will burn your energy as well as fat all the time. An increase in muscle mass results in faster functioning of the body. Muscles make your body burn calories/energy. As a result, there is an increase of your basal metabolic rate (BMR). In a way, building muscles help you maintain your weight. The best supplements for muscle growth cater to the process of muscle making, as well as supplying other nutrients for overall fitness.
Why Is Muscle Growth Important?
Muscles growth is necessary for a number of reasons. I have jotted the most important advantages of maintain muscle mass below:
- Maintaining regular body function – Aging results in a natural loss of muscle. It is known as sarcopenia. Muscle mass smoothens the normal bodily functions like walking, standing, and lifting objects. Proper muscle mass reduces the risk of chronic disease. Maintenance of muscle mass, via supplements and exercise makes it possible to fight the natural decaying of muscle mass.
- Preventing osteoporosis – The best supplements for muscle growth help in controlling osteoporosis and bone decay. Weakening of muscles, especially in old age, can lead to bone issues. When bones decay they turn brittle and more fragile. Thereby, there is an increased risk of a fracture or break. Maintenance of muscle mass is therefore necessary. Apart from taking supplements, lifting weights can help to increase bone density and bone strength.
- Regulating blood pressure – Muscle mass regulates blood pressure. Various researchers depict that taking up muscle growth supplements and weight lifting can increase in blood pressure. But the increase in only temporary.
- Lower your resting heart rate – Muscles manage your heart rate. People who are involved in heavy weight training find it difficult to maintain heart rate. The reason being that heavier weights cause more exertion on the cardiovascular system. Hence, taking up the best supplements for muscle growth is advisable.
- Combating heart disease and type 2 diabetes – Healthy muscles combat heart diseases and type 2 diabetes. Muscle via strength training can improve the human body’s tolerance to glucose and insulin sensitivity. Glucose and insulin balance regulates blood sugar levels.
Add to the above, muscle growth is beneficial for mental health as well.
The Best Muscle Growth Supplements
Now that the importance of muscle growth has been elaborated, let us take a look at the best supplements for muscle growth:
Protein Supplements
Protein is the building block of the human body. Protein is the foremost supplement in context of muscle growth. Not just bodybuilders, and athletes, but laymen also need protein. Consuming enough protein is essential for gaining muscle. In order to gain muscles, you must consume more protein than your body breaks down via natural processes.
If taking up protein rich food is not feasible, then it’s best to take protein supplements. You can choose protein powders, shakes, bars, and tablets. The most popular type of protein supplements are whey, casein and soy protein. Protein supplements are sourced from both animal and plant products. Hence, they are safe for vegans also. It is proven through research that taking protein supplements, especially with exercise, leads to muscle growth.
Weight Gainers
Weight gainers are also known as mass gainers. They are one of the best supplements for muscle growth. Mass gainers are calorie dense dietary ingredients. They contain macros like protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Mass gainers also contain micro nutrients like vitamins and minerals. These supplements are designed to conveniently make you consume more calories and protein. Mass gainers are mostly recommended for skinny people, bodybuilders, gym enthusiasts, highly active people, and those who have poor appetite.
Calories are the basic unit of energy, and mass gainer supplement offer you high calories. They work instantly. Just mix the mass gainer supplement powder in water or milk or smoothie and gulp it down to experience a hike in your energy levels. Mass gainers work best when paired up with exercise and regular workout. The increases calories via mass gainers will further increase your lean muscle mass when combined with exercise, else it will just lead to unhealthy fat accumulation.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
Amino acids are the manufacturing unit of protein. Some amino acids are not build inside the human body. They are called essential amino acids. They must be taken via diet or supplements. Amongst the essential amino acids, there are three important ones which are grouped together to form branched-chain amino acids. The BCAAs contain three individual amino acids called leucine, isoleucine and valine. These BCAAs are necessary for muscle growth. In fact, BCAAs make up about 14% of the amino acids in our muscles. If taking up BCAAs via food is not easy then one should take it via supplements. Experts recommend that BCAAs significantly improve muscle gain and reduce muscle loss. Various other researches depict that BCAAs only benefit you if you are not eating enough high-quality protein in your diet. SO, yes, maintaining diet is required along with BCAA supplementation.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins are the next best supplements for muscle growth. Multivitamins are a combination of various vitamins and minerals. Multis not only help in muscle growth but also provide other nutrients for the welfare of the body. Vitamin D is necessary for bone health. It is called the ‘sunshine’ vitamin because it is gained through sunlight. Vitamin D maintains bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium supports vitamin D in the endeavour of strengthening bones. Iron is an essential mineral. It makes up haemoglobin and enhances the oxygen supply throughout the body. Iron increases the production of red blood cells. Iron boosts your energy levels and makes you active. Vitamin C is the immunity booster. It is a water soluble vitamin, and must be taken regularly via supplements. Vitamin C helps you to fight infections, and reduces the risk of getting diseases. Magnesium is important for maintain hundred of body functions. It is helpful in maintain metabolism. Zinc is an energy booster again. It is also beneficial in maintaining mental health and reducing depression or mental stress. All in all multis cater to muscle health whether directly or indirectly.